Though he seemed serious a moment ago, just the thought of Kalia made him smile.
He couldn't believe that his heart was beating so hard.
He was at peace just staying by her side.
Just by staying near Kalia, all his pain disappeared.
Before, he always thought that he was going crazy, but it seems like he really was losing his mind.
For her, her love, his salvation, and his reason for living.
Chirp chirp? Chirp chirp chirp?
Kyuung?
As Simon responded to his hearts fluttering with a laugh, the spirits around him tried to study his expressions.
"You don't have to know."
I won't tell anyone. No one but Kalia
Just how crazy I can be, and how strong I can be
The next morning.
Kalia stared blankly at the morning sunlight seeping through the window and murmured,
I couldnt sleep...?"
The sunlight stung her eyes.
She closed her eyes and sighed, her head throbbing.
She didnt sleep a wink all night.
I couldnt sleep at all because everytime I close my eyes, I kept seeing Simons face.
The soft lips that came close to mine. The red tongue that said he loves me.
And a smile full of desire that was obviously supposed to be seductive!
"I must be really crazy."
Did I tear up Deriks scroll again without realizing it?
Kalia couldnt lie still even after Simon left because her heart was beating too fast.
It was beating so hard she wondered if shes having a heart attack.
It was crazy to think that she could still remember how Simon smiled as he whispered in her ears.
As she was tossing and turning in bed, she heard Sashas cry.
At dawn, the old nanny, Humming, and Allen, who were all looking after the Dukes child, said that they would take turns caring for him.
Everyone volunteered to take care of the baby for Kalia, who had just given birth.
After finding out about their arrangement, Simon said that he would do it too, but Humming and Allen would not allow Simon to join in.
... Is watching over the child at dawn worth fighting over? Is it worth getting worked up for?
Anyway, it was Kalia who was forcibly pushed away from seeing the baby at dawn, but now she was eager to see her baby.
She jumped up and went to the next room where Sasha was.
The hungry Sasha cried loudly with the bottle the nanny gave him in his mouth.
Kalia, who was watching them through the slightly opened door, knocked to grab their attention.
No! Why did you come here when you havent slept?!
The startled nanny hurriedly said in a low voice.
The nanny, with her warm demeanor, resembled Mrs. McCanna who was in charge of Kalias meals.
Kalia approached the baby cautiously, smiling slightly at the familiarity.
"I cant sleep so... Ill look after Sasha today.
Sigh. Youll be tired in the morning though. Its been a while since you had time to relax, and the babys mother should take care of herself first so she that she doesnt get sick.
The nanny, who had a rather chatty personality, continued to whisper,
You can take care of the baby starting tomorrow. I want to look after him today.
But she couldnt beat Kalia, who simply smiled silently as she held her arms out.
The nanny eventually gave up trying to persuade her and handed Sasha over as if she didnt have a choice.
I really shouldnt... Sir Allen might start nagging.
Kalia looked at the nanny Latricia with a renewed respect.
She skillfully took Sasha and cradled him, fixing up his swaddle which had been ruffled overnight.
She also didnt forget to change his diapers.
"Youre amazing, Latricia."
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
Latricia, who changed the swaddle blanket and nappy in a matter of seconds, widened her eyes as if asking what she meant.
I think youre really good with handling
babies. As his mom, I kept panicking all night and made him cry...
"Ohohohoho. What do you mean by that, Miss Lia? Its only been a week since you became a mother. I, on the other hand, have been caring for about twenty babies over the past ten years, so its almost second nature to me."
"Twenty?"
Surprised by Kalias reaction, Latricia smiled and wrapped a shawl around Kalias shoulders.
"There wasnt a single baby who was easy to take care of. Of course, the same goes for the young master Sasha."
"I didn't know Sasha cried so much at night."
Latricia shook her head at Kalias apologetic tone.
Crying so much can't be dismissed anymore.
"These difficult times will pass soon, and more beautiful days will come. Please do not worry."
"Im not tired. Im just worried that the baby will have a hard time because of me."
"You will slowly get used to it. The mother also grows up with her baby, so it will get easier over time."
Latricia wrapped her arms around Kalias shoulders and tenderly rubbed on her shoulders.
"Even if its difficult, give him lots of hugs and love. Thats all you need, Lia. Of course, you would know that even if I didnt tell you."
Oh-hohohoho!
Latricia laughed loudly and told her to go back to her room to rest.
Humming came into the nursery just in time to see Kalias pale face, and panicked.
"You stayed up all night? You should have woken me up! Hurry up and get some sleep! The nanny and I will look after Sasha. Now go!
Humming practically shoved Kalia into her room and hurriedly prepared her breakfast.
Stuffed full, Kalia shuddered at the slight headache she could feel as she looked up at the sunlight pouring in.
She must be losing her stamina.
I cant believe Lm exhausted just because
I stayed up all night... I cant believe this.
"Haaaaaaa."
But thanks to them, I think I can sleep without worrying.
Kalia stretched and yawned sluggishly.
'... But I have to tell them that Ill take care of Sasha at night from time to time.
It was her job to take care of Sasha, so it was only right that she take care of him like this.
A mothers duty. It has a nice ring to it.
I am Sashas mother. I am a mother. He is my child.
"Hehe... I love it."
Kalia, forgetting about her panicking earlier, fell asleep with a smile.
The sunlight poured through the closed curtains, and gently brushed through her hair.
At the same time.
"Hm "
Simon stopped in front of Kalias door, but unlike Kalia, his pale face looked as if he had finally slept soundly for the first time in a long time.